Francisco Ortega, an American expat living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, was attacked by a taxi driver near the Reunification Palace. The incident occurred when Francisco and his friends were crossing a street and he swatted the taxi's hood to alert the driver. The driver, in a fit of rage, physically assaulted Francisco, knocking off his glasses and causing him to fall and break a rib. The driver then attempted to stab Francisco with a knife and later with an iron bar. Francisco took refuge in a café and received medical treatment for a stab wound and broken rib. The taxi driver, who was unlicensed, fled the scene, and the incident was reported to the police. The article suggests that this is part of a larger issue with aggressive taxi drivers in the city, exacerbated by the rise of ride-hailing apps like Grab and Uber.

ETCH Sparkling offers a range of non-alcoholic beverages, including the Honey Rosewater flavor (HNY), made with natural ingredients from the Mornington Peninsula and free from preservatives, refined sugars, and artificial additives. Co-founders Andy and Jason Quin highlight the brand's commitment to health and the growing trend of alcohol-free drink options. The drinks are available in various flavors and can be found at Chapley's Foodland and Romeo's Foodland across Adelaide.

La Sing, an Adelaide nightlife institution, has launched its own Rockstar Lager in collaboration with Big Shed Brewing. The can design was created by Jason Makarenko, La Sing's new floor manager. The venue, located at 261 Gouger Street, has also undergone a slight revamp during its closure earlier in the year. The lager, described as having refreshing malts and a spicy finish, was officially launched at an invite-only event. La Sing's merchandise, including the new beer, is available from their online shop, and the venue is now open early on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm.

Doughballs The Pizza Place in Moseley Square, Glenelg, is hosting a New Year's Eve event titled 'GET STUFFED (with Pizza) 2020', featuring a 3-course banquet, unlimited drinks for two hours, and a glass of prosecco at midnight. The family-friendly venue offers vegan and gluten-free options and recommends early bookings. The owners, Catriona and Lincoln, are praised for their hospitality. The restaurant also offers bottomless brunches starting January and breakfast style pizzas.

Les Deux Coqs, a French charcuterie and patisserie in Adelaide Central Market, is expanding its presence. Owned by French couple Katia Vincon and Bastien Verslype, the business has been serving South Australian customers since 2017. Despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the business adapted by launching a website and focusing on delivery, receiving strong customer support. With the state's focus on local and small businesses, Les Deux Coqs is planning new market experiences, including a European-style market in Glenelg and a pop-up in Rundle Mall.

Cecilia Berder won individual and team gold for France at the 2019 Absolute Fencing Gear FIE Women’s Sabre World Cup in Salt Lake City. She defeated Russia's Sofya Velikaya and Hungary's Anna Marton in the individual event and led France to victory over Hungary in the team event. The competition also saw Italy securing the bronze medal by defeating China.

Jon Aspin is a seasoned freelance writer with a history of working in communications and marketing for major multinational brands such as Sony, Lion Nathan, and P&G. Since relocating to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam in 2014, Jon has diversified his portfolio to include a wide range of topics. His areas of expertise now encompass a variety of subjects including people, places, food and drink, popular culture, the environment, travel, lifestyle, and general news. Jon is open to taking on new assignments and can be reached through the provided contact links.

The article discusses the impact of the rising popularity of convenience stores on Vietnam's food service industry. Decision Lab, a market research firm in Ho Chi Minh City, presented data showing that convenience stores like Family Mart, VinMart+, and Circle K are attracting more customers at the expense of mid-to-high-end food outlets, leading to a decrease in average spending per visit. The trend is driven by aggressive expansion, competitive pricing, and the appeal to younger consumers, particularly Gen Z. Despite the growth of convenience stores, street food remains popular, with many recognizing its superior quality and value. The article also touches on the cultural aspect of Vietnam's street food and the resilience of traditional vendors in the face of modern retail disruption.

The article covers the creation of Vietnam's first fully sustainable downhill mountain bike trail, designed by Singaporean Hui Min Lim through his company Dirtraction. The trail is located at La An Resort near Da Lat in the Central Highlands and was built with the help of Vietnamese staff and additional workers. The 2.1 km trail offers a 250m descent and is described as a 'blue square intermediate flow trail,' suitable for both novices and experienced riders. The project was a collaboration between Lim, Singaporean Nicky Tay, and the resort's owner, Mr. Viet, and was inspired by international mountain biking destinations. The trail was recently tested at the LAAN MTB Jamboree, receiving positive feedback from participants, including multiple-time Singaporean national champion Junaidi Bin Hashim.